Registration is now open for Florida Huddle, Florida's foremost travel trade event, welcoming travel suppliers from across the Sunshine State to meet directly with hundreds of domestic and international buyers.

Now in its third year of being owned and operated by VISIT FLORIDA, Florida Huddle will take place again from January 26 - 28, 2016. This time around it will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, with more buyers, more time for appointments and more Florida travel business transactions. Featuring pre-requested, pre-scheduled appointment sessions and networking opportunities, this forum offers three days of Florida-focused productivity.

Huddle is a contracting cornerstone for hundreds of domestic and international tour operators and wholesalers. Every region of Florida is represented under one roof, with destinations, attractions and properties rearing to conduct business. Decision makers will meet to discuss and negotiate successful contracts, after which they will gather for sensational social events.

Over 250 travel suppliers have already registered to take part, following the success of the past two years. Florida Huddle 2015 saw 668 delegates representing 395 companies from around the world attending. The number of qualified buyers - 224 — who attended to broker deals with Florida's travel suppliers was up 10% from last year. They came from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, India, China, France, Spain, the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.

The hip, urban heart of west-central Florida beats in Tampa Bay. This region of a million people has adventures you won't find anywhere else in the state, whether you're looking for a pulse-pounding plunge on Falcon's Fury at Busch Gardens Tampa, a night of paella and Flamenco at Ybor City's landmark Columbia Restaurant, a flight of craft beers from one of our dozens of local breweries, or a leisurely trip along our waterfront on a water bike.

"Tampa Bay has some of the deepest history and richest cultural heritage in the entire country," said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. "These days, travellers want to sample the authentic flavour of a destination, and Tampa Bay has risen to the top as a place where they can do that easily whether they're looking for food, drink, culture or sports."

Those staying on in Tampa once Florida Huddle concludes, could be in for a pirate's treasure chest of a treat. Gasparilla Pirate Fest sails into town on Saturday November 30, 2016. The fully rigged Jose Gasparilla will sail into Hillsborough Bay, cannons a-blazing, guns a-flashing, and hundreds of vessels of all sizes serving as their escort. Expect to see their bright flags a-coming from the sea, and ye best beware!

Hertz Florida Huddle 20% special offer

Hertz are proud to offer all UK and Ireland tour operators and agents attending Florida Huddle from January 26-28, 2016, or visiting the Sunshine State pre/post Florida Huddle, a fantastic 20% off their personal car hire. This offer is only valid for bookings made by November 30, 2015 and for car pick up in Florida between January 16 - February 8, 2016. To take advantage of this offer please quote CDP758673 when booking.